11-year-old receiving Coast Guard commendation

GEORGETOWN, S.C. (AP) — The Coast Guard is awarding a commendation to an 11-year-old South Carolina boy who saved his father’s life during a fishing trip last summer.

Jon-Allen Carl is receiving a public service commendation Friday in Georgetown for heroism and courage during a shrimping trip with his dad in June.

The elder Carl got his hand caught in a winch and it severed his arm between the elbow and shoulder.

Jon-Allen was able to keep the Coast Guard informed over the radio about the boat’s location. He also followed a Coast Guard flight surgeon’s instructions and was able to keep his father from bleeding to death.

The youth piloted the shrimp boat to another vessel where his dad received medical attention until a Coast Guard rescue helicopter arrived.